OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Stamford Zoning Board Meeting on Sustainability Text Amendment and Zoning Changes – June 9, 2026

Zoning Board — Tuesday, June 9, 2026
BodyStamford, Connecticut
SessionZoning Board
DateTuesday, June 9, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:49:17
Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Can start.

0:01

Um, yes, let's give it a minute for all the participants to be on.

0:34

I think we can start now.

0:37

I'd like to welcome everyone and call tonight zoning board meeting to order.

0:42

I'm David Stein, chair of the zoning board, and it is 6 36 on June 8th, 2026.

0:49

The members of the board and the staff are holding this meeting by Zoom video conference.

0:54

The public is in attendance both on video conference and by teleconference.

0:59

I'd like to do a roll call of the board and the staff.

1:03

Roseanne McManus?

1:05

Here.

1:05

Keith Walker.

1:07

Here.

1:08

Okay.

1:09

There are three members, so we have a quorum.

1:12

Now for the staff, Ralph Glessing.

1:15

Yeah.

1:16

And Vanita Matter.

1:18

Yeah.

1:20

During tonight's meeting, the board's microphones will be on.

1:24

The applicants' mics will be on during the public hearing when their applications are being heard.

1:29

However, I would ask the applicants to please mute their mics when not speaking in order to reduce background noise.

1:36

The first part of tonight's meeting is the public hearing during which the public will have an opportunity to speak.

1:43

Each member of the public will be muted until it is your turn to speak.

1:47

Here is the procedure for the public to let us know that you would like to speak.

1:52

If you came in through Zoom, please use the raise your hand function and you will be unmuted when it is your turn.

1:59

If you called in on one of the Zoom telephone conference call phone numbers, please press star nine and this will raise your hand and then press star six to unmute when it is your turn.

2:14

When members of the public speak, please state your name and address for the record and whether you are in favor of or opposed to the application.

2:21

The board requests that members of the public limit your comments to three minutes so that everyone will have a chance to speak.

2:28

If you're having a problem raising your hand or getting on, please send an email to uh Vanita at V Moter, V M A T H U R at Stanford C T.gov, and she will get you on.

2:47

This meeting is being recorded and will be posted at the zoning board's website.

2:52

You can find the agenda for tonight's meeting and the meeting applications and other materials by going to our website www.stanfordct.gov slash zoning.

3:06

Excuse me.

3:07

We will now move on to the public hearing.

3:11

Um we have uh two applications that were continued from our last meeting on May 18th.

3:18

Uh, they both involve 1150 Summer Street.

3:22

Uh one is the application 225-43, which is the map change, and application two two five-four four, which is the general development plan.

3:33

Both of these applications will be continued until our next meeting scheduled for June 22nd, 2026 at 630 via Zoom.

3:45

Um we now move on to a new application.

3:48

Uh application 226-08, City of Stanford Zoning Board, zoning text change.

3:56

The purpose of this text amendment is to strengthen the zoning regulations with regard to sustainability.

4:02

It would require to one, achieving a certain grade on the sustainability scorecard for certain developments, two adding solar panels or green roofs to larger newly constructed roofs.

4:18

Excuse me.

4:19

Um three, establishing standards for tree protection for zoning board applications.

4:26

This would implement several strategies, strategies and supporting actions from the city's 2035 comprehensive plan.

4:34

Specifically strategy 11 significantly expand Stanford's green infrastructure, such as street trees and bioswales, and Strategy 14, improve energy efficiency in Stanford buildings.

4:55

Absolutely.

4:58

April 29th, 2026 to Mr.

5:01

David Stein, Chair City of Stanford Zoning Board regarding CB application 22608, uh Stanford Zoning Board Text Change.

5:10

Dear Mr.

5:11

Stein and members of the zoning board, during its meeting held on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, Planning Board reviewed the above captioned application referred in accordance with the requirements of the Stanford Charter.

5:23

Purpose of this text change is to strengthen the zoning regulations with regard to sustainability.

5:30

It would require achieving a certain grade on the sustainability scorecard for certain developments, adding solar panels or green roofs to larger newly constructed roofs and establishing standards for tree protection for zoning board applications.

5:50

Ralph Blessing Land Use Bureau made a presentation and answered questions from the board.

5:55

After a brief discussion, Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of ZB application 226-08 with the recommendation the zoning board consider increasing the minimum size of replacement trees to two inches caliper diameter at breast height and increasing the maximum height of the solar canopies when considering locations that have high truck traffic and found this to be in general harmony with the 2035 comprehensive plan.

6:29

Sincerely transferred Stanford Planning Board, Jennifer Gadzenow, Chair.

6:36

Thank you.

6:37

Ralph understand you have a presentation on this.

6:43

Please indeed.

6:45

Yes.

6:52

Can you see the presentation?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Environmental Protection█████████████████████████████████████████████59%
Procedural██████████████18%
Economic Development█████7%
Parks and Recreation█████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███4%
Community Engagement██2%
Miscellaneous██2%
Public Engagement█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Stamford Zoning Board Meeting – June 9, 2026

Note: The meeting began at 6:36 PM on June 8, 2026, according to the chair, but this summary uses the date provided (June 9, 2026) as instructed. The discrepancy is noted.

The Stamford Zoning Board held a virtual public hearing and regular meeting on June 9, 2026, via Zoom. The main agenda item was a proposed zoning text amendment (Application 226‑08) to strengthen sustainability regulations, including a sustainability scorecard, tree protection standards, and requirements for solar or green roofs on large new buildings. The board also approved several coastal site plan reviews, a map change, and an administrative modification for the Italian Center.

Consent Calendar

  • CSPR 1231 – 52 Congress Street: Legalization of finished basement, first-floor addition, and new second floor (within CAM boundary). Approved with conditions from EPB, Engineering, DEEP, and Harbor Management Commission.
  • CSPR 1232 – 24 Ripowam Road: Renovation and second-floor addition (within CAM boundary). Approved with comment letters.
  • CSPR 1234 – 145 Ocean Drive West: Construction of gazebo, walkways, walls, and site improvements (within CAM boundary). Approved with conditions.
  • Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony on Sustainability Text Amendment (Application 226‑08)

Over a dozen members of the public spoke, nearly all in strong support. Key speakers and their positions:

  • Sue Halpern (Elmcroft Road): Expressed support, noting the urban heat island effect and disparities in tree coverage (13% in South End vs. 65% in North Stamford).
  • Paula Woodman (110 Old North Stamford Road): Strong support for tree protection; praised requirements for inventories, protection plans, and meaningful replacement.
  • Virgil de la Cruz (94 Davenport Drive): Supported but urged going further (e.g., net‑zero buildings), citing UN climate reports.
  • Mike Papa (49 Boweton Street): Neutral, critical of missing stewardship and maintenance.
  • Michael Moore (President, Stamford Downtown): Asked for the hearing to remain open so his organization could deliberate further; not in opposition.
  • Melanie Hollis (41 Fairmont Avenue): Supported, asked about tree replacement applying to commercial properties and new schools.
  • Eleanor Blumstrom (26 Coolidge Avenue): Strong support; noted equity, tree protection, and green roofs addressing heat and stormwater.
  • Jeanette Billichnanski (125 Idlewood Drive): Supported, suggested protecting river canopies, incentivizing solar, and public hearings for special permits.
  • Dave Adams (Glenbrook Road): Supported, suggested increasing replacement tree minimum from 1.5 inches to 2 or 3 inches caliper.
  • Salvatore Zarella (Keith Street): Supported but advocated an “envelope‑first” approach over green roofs; offered free consulting.

Discussion Items

  • Sustainability Text Amendment (Application 226‑08): Ralph Glessing (Land Use Bureau) presented the proposal. Key provisions:
    • Sustainability scorecard requirement with a mandatory grade for developments ≥10 residential units or ≥10,000 sq ft commercial; updated with categories for new construction (residential/mixed‑use, large‑scale commercial/industrial) and rehabilitation.
    • Tree protection: All trees ≥4 inches DBH must be shown; removed trees replaced by total diameter (inch‑for‑inch) or fee‑in‑lieu to city tree fund. Protection during construction around root zones.
    • Solar or green roofs: Required on new roofs ≥5,000 sq ft, with at least 50% coverage by either solar panels or a green roof; special permit available for exceptions.
    • Solar canopies over parking lots reclassified as permitted obstructions to allow placement in front yards.
    • Board members asked about handling mechanical equipment, water efficiency (scorecard includes water management), and the feasibility of larger replacement trees. The Planning Board recommended increasing replacement tree caliper to 2 inches.
  • Map Change (Application 226‑07) – 27–31 Melrose Place and 445 Fairfield Avenue: Staff presented two options – all parcels to ML (light industrial) or three to ML and one to MG (general industrial). The board discussed noxious uses allowed in MG. Keith Walker opposed rezoning without a specific plan; others favored ML to limit intense uses. Motion to rezone all four parcels to ML passed 3‑1 (Keith opposed).
  • Administrative Modification – Italian Center of Stamford (1620 Newfield Avenue): Request to add paddle tennis, Padell and pickleball courts, pergola, shade structures, and lights. Attorney Michael Cacase noted the courts are not closer to residents than existing lit tennis courts. Approved with conditions from Engineering, EPB, and Fire Marshal.
  • End of meeting discussion: The board briefly discussed the status of the 14‑acre site (former office park) – no residential currently permitted; conditions remain unmet.

Key Outcomes

  • Text Amendment 226‑08 was continued to the next meeting on June 22, 2026, at 6:30 PM (on Zoom) to allow further public input and board deliberation.
  • Map Change 226‑07 was approved (3‑1) to rezone all four parcels to ML (light industrial).
  • CSPR 1231, 1232, and 1234 were approved unanimously with attached conditions.
  • Administrative Modification for the Italian Center was approved unanimously, subject to conditions including compliance with lighting ordinances.
  • The board will meet next on June 22, 2026, for continuations only.

Meeting Transcript

Can start. Um, yes, let's give it a minute for all the participants to be on. I think we can start now. I'd like to welcome everyone and call tonight zoning board meeting to order. I'm David Stein, chair of the zoning board, and it is 6 36 on June 8th, 2026. The members of the board and the staff are holding this meeting by Zoom video conference. The public is in attendance both on video conference and by teleconference. I'd like to do a roll call of the board and the staff. Roseanne McManus? Here. Keith Walker. Here. Okay. There are three members, so we have a quorum. Now for the staff, Ralph Glessing. Yeah. And Vanita Matter. Yeah. During tonight's meeting, the board's microphones will be on. The applicants' mics will be on during the public hearing when their applications are being heard. However, I would ask the applicants to please mute their mics when not speaking in order to reduce background noise. The first part of tonight's meeting is the public hearing during which the public will have an opportunity to speak. Each member of the public will be muted until it is your turn to speak. Here is the procedure for the public to let us know that you would like to speak. If you came in through Zoom, please use the raise your hand function and you will be unmuted when it is your turn. If you called in on one of the Zoom telephone conference call phone numbers, please press star nine and this will raise your hand and then press star six to unmute when it is your turn. When members of the public speak, please state your name and address for the record and whether you are in favor of or opposed to the application. The board requests that members of the public limit your comments to three minutes so that everyone will have a chance to speak. If you're having a problem raising your hand or getting on, please send an email to uh Vanita at V Moter, V M A T H U R at Stanford C T.gov, and she will get you on. This meeting is being recorded and will be posted at the zoning board's website. You can find the agenda for tonight's meeting and the meeting applications and other materials by going to our website www.stanfordct.gov slash zoning. Excuse me. We will now move on to the public hearing. Um we have uh two applications that were continued from our last meeting on May 18th. Uh, they both involve 1150 Summer Street. Uh one is the application 225-43, which is the map change, and application two two five-four four, which is the general development plan. Both of these applications will be continued until our next meeting scheduled for June 22nd, 2026 at 630 via Zoom. Um we now move on to a new application. Uh application 226-08, City of Stanford Zoning Board, zoning text change. The purpose of this text amendment is to strengthen the zoning regulations with regard to sustainability. It would require to one, achieving a certain grade on the sustainability scorecard for certain developments, two adding solar panels or green roofs to larger newly constructed roofs. Excuse me. Um three, establishing standards for tree protection for zoning board applications. This would implement several strategies, strategies and supporting actions from the city's 2035 comprehensive plan. Specifically strategy 11 significantly expand Stanford's green infrastructure, such as street trees and bioswales, and Strategy 14, improve energy efficiency in Stanford buildings. Absolutely. April 29th, 2026 to Mr. David Stein, Chair City of Stanford Zoning Board regarding CB application 22608, uh Stanford Zoning Board Text Change. Dear Mr. Stein and members of the zoning board, during its meeting held on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, Planning Board reviewed the above captioned application referred in accordance with the requirements of the Stanford Charter.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com